The term white-collar crime was coined in 1939 by sociologist Edwin Sutherland. The term encompasses nonviolent criminal offenses that are committed in a business or professional setting to achieve financial gain. White-collar crimes are committed by people in the context of their occupation.

Below is the list of some common types of crime that fall under this category:

Bank Fraud

Bribery

Bankruptcy Fraud

Computer Fraud

Counterfeiting

Credit Card Fraud

Embezzlement

Economic Espionage

Forgery

Insurance Fraud

Money Laundering

Perjury

Securities Fraud

Tax Evasion

Under jurisdiction of the FBI, crimes of this nature are “illegal acts which are characterized by deceit, concealment, or violation of trust, and which are not dependent upon the application or threat of physical force or violence.” There are many controversies surrounding the convictions and penalties between white-collar crime suspects versus blue collar crime suspects. As white collar crimes are typically nonviolent and involve individuals of a higher class, convicts receive shorter sentences and nicer prison accommodations than their blue collar counterparts. But in few big fraud cases, some convicts have received sentences for life in prison, along with huge court-ordered fines and restitution payments.

While the charge depends on the size of the illegal operation and the degree of involvement for each individual, committing a white collar crime typically results in a felony charge. In the United States, sentences for white-collar crimes may include a combination of imprisonment, fines, restitution, community service, disgorgement, probation, or other alternative punishment.

For serious white collar offenses, you need a serious defense. A white collar attorney in NY understands that your case may be complicated, atypical, and in need of personalized representation. If you have concerns with white-collar crimes, you can contact white-collar criminal lawyers New York Paul D. Petrus, Jr. by phone at 212-564-2440 or visit www.petruslaw.com. Mr. Petrus, through hard work and a personal touch, will build a defense for you. NYC white-collar lawyer Paul D. Petrus, Jr. is dedicated to providing individually tailored legal solutions in the areas of white-collar criminal defense litigation, internal investigations, and corporate compliance.